Is topical menthol, such as Biofreeze, safe and effective for pain relief?

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Written by Meredith Worthington, Ph.D. — Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated June 19, 2023 ⓘ

Answer:

Menthol, a compound in peppermint that gives peppermint its distinct flavor and cooling sensation, is commonly used in topical creams and gels for pain relief from muscle tenderness and soreness, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and painful diabetic neuropathy. When applied to the skin as a cream or gel, such as Biofreeze, Dermacool, Tiger Balm, or Vicks VapoRub, menthol creates a cooling effect by activating and then desensitizing receptors in the skin that sense cold, which is believed to temporarily distract a person from underlying pain (Pergolizzi Jr., J Clin Pharm Ther 2018). However, most placebo-controlled studies have cast doubt on benefits found in smaller studies.

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